The ‘electrification’ of the UK’s road network is continuing at a rapid rate, with one of the latest projects involving the deployment of rapid charging units in a popular tourist region.
Siemens has supplied and installed two triple-outlet, multi-standard rapid charging points in two towns for Cotswold District Council (CDC), providing fast top-ups for visitors and residents with electric vehicles (EVs) travelling within and through the region. Using grant funding from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), the charging points have been installed in Cirencester and Moreton-in-Marsh, where users will be charged £4 (US$6) via a telephone call or cell phone application, covering the energy used and an hour’s worth of parking.
CDC’s cabinet member for enterprise and partnerships, Chris Hancock, commented,
“The new technology will provide an important strategic link between existing charging points on the M4, M5 and M40, encouraging more drivers to stop off in the Cotswolds. We are always looking for innovative ways to harness technology that reduces our carbon footprint, and the installation of EV chargers in both towns will be seen as a very positive step forward.”
Siemens is a major supplier to the country’s growing EV infrastructure market, with a range of charging equipment that includes both modular DC and AC variants for all charging standards, including CHAdeMO and CSC COMBO 2. The company has won a significant number of new contracts for EV rapid charging technology in recent months.
In Manchester, it has supplied and installed four multi-standard triple-outlet rapid chargers, including one on the approach to Picadilly station for Manchester’s first 100% electric bus. Installation of a network of new rapid charging points for EVs is also well underway in the towns of Poole and Bournemouth, Dorset, as part of a complete EV package with three years’ maintenance support provided by Siemens. The company is responsible for the project management, installation and commissioning of a network of its QC45 rapid chargers. The project will be the first rapid charging network installed and operating with fully integrated bay sensors, providing real-time information on bay availability and detection of non-EVs for onward notification to parking enforcement teams.
New rapid charging projects in Scotland include five new multi-standard chargers installed and commissioned for Scottish Borders Council and a further two new chargers in Stirling. The Scottish Government is delivering a network of public charging points for EVs across the region. The scheme, which includes Transport Scotland grants through the Energy Saving Trust, will deliver charging points within every 50 miles (80km) on trunk roads and an integrated network will join EVs with public transport.One of the company’s largest EV projects to date is in Bristol and Gloucestershire.
The delivery of a complete EV charging system includes 15 multi-standard triple-outlet rapid chargers with connection to the Pay As You Go national network provided by Charge Your Car. Project management, site design, civil and electrical works, installation and commissioning, and three years maintenance managed by the company’s field services team is also included.
Source: Traffic Technology Today